Traverse des Sioux

View of the Minnesota River in the afternoon sunlight.

The crossroads of Minnesota history

View of the Minnesota River in the afternoon sunlight.

The crossroads of Minnesota history

For thousands of years, the Dakota lived and worked at Traverse des Sioux, located on the lower Minnesota River. By the early 19th century, European American fur traders, missionaries, and adventurers were frequent visitors. Then in 1851, this site witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux between the US government and the Dakota.

This site is managed by the Nicollet County Historical Society.

The trails are open daily, from dawn until dusk. Trails are not maintained in the winter.

1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082
traversedessioux@mnhs.org | 507-934-2160

A silhouette of a family walking in a field, riding atop an ox, and sitting in a travois.

What to see and do

Two visitors walk outside on a dirt trail past an interpretive sign.

Follow the paths used by generations of Dakota and early French fur traders as you learn about the deeply complex historical significance of the site.

At a crossroads

For generations, this site served as a meeting place and river crossing point for the Dakota tribes. But as non-native settlers sought more land, the Dakota faced an impossible choice.

Painting of The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux.